Invest Atlanta Block Party Brings Backpacks and Fun to Children in Northwest Atlanta

As students around the metro Atlanta area head back to school, many will return to the classroom without all the supplies they need to be successful. With that in mind, Invest Atlanta and child literacy nonprofit, Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc., partnered to distribute 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in underserved communities.

They’re hosting a Back-to-School Block Party on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 28, at 1925 Hollywood Rd. in Atlanta.

“We want to empower and educate our children,” said FeFe Handy, CEO and Founder of Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc. “They should be focused on learning in the classroom, not worrying about basic needs like notebooks, pens and paper.”

Invest Atlanta, the economic development arm of the city, says that it is working to ensure that Atlanta continues to be a world-class city. A key part of reaching that goal involves preparing the city’s future leaders to be productive and successful.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed lauded the backpack giveaway program as a great way to help the entire city.

“We’re committed to sustaining our competitive advantage as a city and our children are a vital part of that,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “We want our young people to have everything they need to be successful contributors not just to Atlanta, but to the nation and the world.”

The backpack event will give elementary school students from the Northwest neighborhood free backpacks as well as exposure to high-profile professionals in the city.

“I want the children in my district and throughout the city to be ready for success,” said Felicia Moore, Council Member, District 9. “I know these families will be grateful for our city’s support in helping their children prepare for academic excellence.”

Other block party activities will include a mounted police patrol, clowns and a fire truck tour. There will also be free food for parents and children. Families should arrive early because backpack supplies are limited.

“This may be the first time the students get to meet attorneys, commercial and business development leaders, housing finance professionals or entrepreneurs,” said Dawn Luke, Managing Director of Housing Finance, for Invest Atlanta. “Our presence in the community means students can dream a bigger dream.”

Invest Atlanta, chaired by Mayor Reed, is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta. Its stated purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.